HAYE

or-Brenda and Rick, their laughter gr

number stared back at me. My thumb hov

osing myself completely. I would be a ves

ie. And I would be handed over to th

s no rea

crying for the girl I used to be-the one who still

dening into something sharp and

red on the first r

ice a dry, trembling whisper.

remain where you are. We will be

to the floor, all the st

yself to sav

in them, my shoulders trembling slightly. But

nly an empty, clear

ad, staring at the pa

through to the end. Gilded cage or hell

believed in fairy tales-she

the mirror, tucking my hair behind my ears. The girl in t

again. I listened, and the faintest

t. You won't be l

rash of furniture, Brenda's shriek of outrage, and Rick's furi

Hayes," Mr. Reynolds's calm v

in black suits. They had cornered Rick and my

me, trying to lunge forward. Two bodyguards

t me with pure hatred, th

owed Mr. Reynolds, walking pa

eather and silent interior feeling like another world. The car glided to

office. It was a vast, minimalist space, one entire

erfectly tailored black suit, his posture radiating an aura of absolu

eyes pinned me in place.

gether, unable to meet

w on, she will receive the best care until she

ost buckled my knees washed over

ssed the room, his tall frame eclipsing t

rcing me to look up at him. "You will be my Mate.

oice devoid of any emotion. Thi

es and nodded.

to Mr. Reynolds. "Arrange the Mati

flock of birds. They washed my hair, painted my face, and dressed me in a si

nctuary, an ancient, solemn chamber carved